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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Solano County
Most construction projects require a permit unless specifically exempted under the County's posted building permit exemption categories.
Small detached one-story accessory utility structures up to 120 square feet with no utilities
Fences up to 6 feet high
Retaining walls under 4 feet unless surcharge or life-safety conditions apply
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below where part of an accessible route
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code shape ratio limits
Prefabricated pools accessory to single-family use that are up to 24 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, and fully above ground
Temporary stage sets and scenery
Shade structures for nursery or agricultural use
Swing and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Non-fixed movable fixtures, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches
Window awnings projecting up to 54 inches from the exterior wall when code limits are met
- Exempt Small detached one-story accessory utility structures up to 120 square feet with no utilities
- Exempt Fences up to 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet unless surcharge or life-safety conditions apply
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below where part of an accessible route
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code shape ratio limits
- Exempt Prefabricated pools accessory to single-family use that are up to 24 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, and fully above ground
- Exempt Temporary stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Shade structures for nursery or agricultural use
- Exempt Swing and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Non-fixed movable fixtures, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches
- Exempt Window awnings projecting up to 54 inches from the exterior wall when code limits are met
Note: Permit requirements can change based on use, location, and attached conditions. Emergency repairs affecting safety still require permit submission within one business day, and electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits may still be required even when structural work is exempt.
Required documents
- Electronic plans
- Signed plans, and architect or engineer seal when applicable
- Project sheet identifying address, parcel number, project data, and scope
- Separate permit application for each separate structure
- Building code
- 2025 California Building Code family, including CRC, CMC, CEC, CPC, CFC, California Energy Code, CalGreen, and WUI Code
- Permit validity
- Most listed occupancies are valid for 24 months from issuance. Residential plans and permits are generally valid for 24 months, with 180-day document retention after final inspection or expiration.
- Owner-builder
- A permit may be issued to the property owner, a certified agent, or a licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor license and workers compensation verification are required when a contractor is filing.
Source: Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not posted as a fixed standard on public pages.
- 01 Confirm project scope and requirements with Building & Safety staff by phone or email if needed.
- 02 Register online and submit the permit application and drawings electronically.
- 03 Pay plan review fees when submitting for review.
- 04 County staff review the application for code compliance and prepare the permit once approved.
- 05 Pay permit issuance and final fees and receive the permit.
- 06 Start construction and schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Not posted as a fixed standard on public pages.
Source: Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Solano County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Due at time of submittal.
02
Permit fee formula
Fees vary by project type and include plan check, permit, inspections, and related permits.
Request a fee estimate by email. Permit fees are paid before issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (707) 784-4750 (phone)
- ACA daily inspection schedule (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Calls before 3:00 PM usually schedule for the next business day; calls after 3:00 PM usually schedule two business days later.
- Inspection hours
- Inspection request line available 24/7
Typical sequence: Schedule inspections after permit issuance when each work stage is ready. Do not cover work until the inspector has seen it. Final inspection occurs after work is complete and ready for occupancy per code and permit conditions.
Source: Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Solano County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA? ▸
Most construction projects require a permit unless specifically exempted under the County's posted building permit exemption categories.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Solano County, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Solano County, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees vary by project type and include plan check, permit, inspections, and related permits.. Plan check fee: Due at time of submittal..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm project scope and requirements with Building & Safety staff by phone or email if needed. 2. Register online and submit the permit application and drawings electronically. 3. Pay plan review fees when submitting for review. 4. County staff review the application for code compliance and prepare the permit once approved. 5. Pay permit issuance and final fees and receive the permit. 6. Start construction and schedule required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Solano County, CA typically run Not posted as a fixed standard on public pages.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Solano County, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Solano County, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Small detached one-story accessory utility structures up to 120 square feet with no utilities; Fences up to 6 feet high; Retaining walls under 4 feet unless surcharge or life-safety conditions apply; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below where part of an accessible route; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within code shape ratio limits; Prefabricated pools accessory to single-family use that are up to 24 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, and fully above ground; Temporary stage sets and scenery; Shade structures for nursery or agricultural use; Swing and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Non-fixed movable fixtures, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches; Window awnings projecting up to 54 inches from the exterior wall when code limits are met. Note: Permit requirements can change based on use, location, and attached conditions. Emergency repairs affecting safety still require permit submission within one business day, and electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits may still be required even when structural work is exempt. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Solano County, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Solano County, CA via: (707) 784-4750, ACA daily inspection schedule. Calls before 3:00 PM usually schedule for the next business day; calls after 3:00 PM usually schedule two business days later..
last verified April 2026
source Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division) ↗
entry id permits/california/solano/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Solano County Building & Safety Services (Building and Safety Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.